Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of the rare German WWII Bakelite Handled Trench Knife with scabbard. It is made in typical World War II "trench knife" style, with a 5 3/4 inch drop-point dagger blade and an overall length of 10 inches. The knife has contoured red bakelite grip scales, retained with three pins. The hilt has a small oval cross guard and the blade is stamped on the ricasso with the Puma trademark. This is the best example we have ever offered.

Known as the "City of Blades", Solingen is a city in western Germany with a blade-making history going back centuries. Lauterjung & Sohn, Puma-werk (PumaWorks) is a known producer of SS, SA, and NSKK daggers during the Pre-WWII period and after, and made a full line of private purchase items during WWII. The company was originally founded on a small scale in 1796, and later Nathanael Lauterjung officially opened a cutlery and knife making workshop in Solingen during 1855. After his death, the name was changed and registered as "Puma-Werk", to avoid confusion with the other Lauterjung-owned workshops in Solingen. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The knife has contoured bakelite grip scales, retained with three pins. The hilt has a small oval cross guard and the blade is stamped on the ricasso with the maker's name and location:

La GUSSTAHL
PUMA
SOLINGEN

The metal scabbard is black enameled which retains its rear spring clip' both in excellent condition, especially considering the age. There is a bit of crazing and checking with about 100 percent of the finish retained.

The knife itself is also in excellent condition, with very little wear to the blade. The body still retains nearly all of the factory final grind crossgrain. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There is a bit of light runner wear, but no major oxidation, and the upper false edge has not been sharpened. The original blade buffer washer is still present, showing only light wear, and the bakelite grip scales are just wonderful.

A great example of a Bakelite-Handle PUMA Fighting knife from WWII, the best example we have offered, complete with scabbard and ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 ¾"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife with Drop Point
Overall length: 10“
Crossguard: 1 ½”
Scabbard Length: 6 ¼”